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Summary and extracts
1 Synthèse du marché
1.1 Introduction
Minicars or microcars, technically defined by the Highway Code as light or heavy quadricycles, are four-wheeled vehicles with specific dimensions and characteristics, intended primarily for urban traffic and limited to an equal or maximum speed of 45 km/h, for the L6e category, or 80 km/h, for the L7e category. The light quadricycle, also called a minicar in jargon, according to the Italian Highway Code (Art.53 h) is assimilated to a moped despite having four wheels and can be driven with an AM license from the age of 14. Minicars classified as light quadricycles, commonly known as minicars 50, along with quadricycles, are considered motorcycles and are subject to type-approval requirements and must be driven by drivers holding the appropriate driving license. In general, quadricycles are defined by limitations in terms of weight, engine power and speed.
We also find the following types of minicars on the Italian market:
- Electric: These are minicars that run entirely on electricity. They offer an environmentally friendly and low-emission option.
- Combustion-engine powered: These are minicars that use gasoline or diesel engines. They are more common and offer a longer range than electric versions.
- Sporty: Some manufacturers offer sporty versions of minicars, with sporty design and driving characteristics.
An increase in minicars is being observed in European cities. Electric minicar registrations increased by 7,043 new units registered in 2023. Despite their limited speed, these cars adopt the best technologies in the automotive industry and are considered safer than mopeds. A successful example is the Citroen Ami, launched in 2022 and sold only online, which has recorded more than 20,000 deliveries in Europe, exceeding its planned targets. In Italy, more than 5,000 units were purchased in 2022, making the Citroen Ami the clear leader among quadricycles, with a 76 percent market share in the first three months of 2022.
This study will discuss in detail the economic and structural characteristics of the Italian market for minicars, which are also spread under the name of microcar or the more technical name of light or heavy quadricycle. For information on other types of urban mobility vehicles, see the other studies available in the Businesscoot catalog.
1.2 The world market
minicars, compact and efficient vehicles, are increasingly appreciated for their practicality in urban areas due to their small size and lower environmental impact. The sector is benefiting from growing demand due to sensitivity to emissions and the desire for more economical and sustainable mobility solutions.
In ****, it is worth $**.** billion, and ...
1.3 The Italian market
The estimated value trend of the Italian minicar market between **** and ****, expressed in millions of euros, is shown. The data were obtained by approximating the market value based on the average minicar price of about **,*** euros, multiplied by the number of registrations of heavy and light quadricycles in each year. From ...
1.4 Import-export
light quadricycles, which include minicars, are popular vehicles in the Italian market, especially for urban mobility and for users with special needs. The imports and exports obtained with the following code (***) of these vehicles provide insight into the trade balance of this segment.
It is clear from the graph that Italy ...
1.5 The development of the market
In ****, registered motor vehicles amounted to nearly * million units in total. Of these, quadricycles intended for people saw a number of new registrations of **.*** vehicles, *.** percent of the total registrations that occurred in ****
Data released by UNRAE, on motorcycles, indicate a significant increase in the market share of quadricycles over the ...
2 Analyse de la demande
2.1 The demand for minicars in italy
data on the volume production of microcars, i.e., light or heavy quadricycles, in Italy from **** to **** show some interesting trends. Regarding light quadricycles, a steady decrease in production during the period considered can be seen in the graph below. Only in **** production had a slight increase to ***. On the other ...
2.2 Safety of minicars compared to mopeds
Minicars and mopeds are two popular means of transportation, but they differ significantly in terms of safety. Minicars, due to their bodywork, offer greater protection in the event of an accident than mopeds, reducing the risk of serious injury, especially in frontal or side collisions. Mopeds, in contrast, have no protective ...
2.3 Determinants of demand
The needs of an urban population: safe and modern
Light quadricycles have several advantages that make them the preferred urban vehicle, such as:
Small size facilitates parking (***) this can also prove useful during multiple deliveries. Fuel economy (***); Low Co* emissions for reduced environmental impact, which in the case of electric quadricycles ...
2.4 Geographical distribution of demand
The Northeast regions show the highest value, with an average expenditure of *.** euros, followed by the Northwest with *.** euros. In the Center, the average expenditure stands at *.** euros.
The areas with the lowest spending are in the South and the Islands, with *.** euros and *.** euros, respectively. This gap indicates a clear ...
2.5 Online interest in minicars
Regions with the highest number of searches are highlighted in dark blue, while those with fewer searches are represented in lighter tones. According to the data, Sicily is the region with the highest number of searches, with a value of ***, followed by Molise (***). In contrast, regions in northern Italy, such as ...
3 Structure du marché
3.1 Distribution channels
these vehicles, very popular among the young and the elderly, constitute a specific niche within the broader market for motorcycles and mopeds. The production and sale of minicars in Italy is closely linked to the demand for sustainable mobility and regulations on low-emission vehicles.
The graph shows the trend of motorcycle ...
3.2 Production and development
The largest distributors in the microcar industry are shown with their respective turnovers for ****
Aixam: Founded in **** in France, Aixam is one of the leading minicar manufacturers in Europe. it is known for offering both electric and thermal models, with an emphasis on safety and comfort. In Italy, Aixam has a ...
3.3 The value chain
The minicar value chain encompasses several stages, from design and development, through materials procurement, production, distribution, and sales, to after-sales services and end-of-life management of the vehicle. The process begins with design, focusing on efficiency, safety and innovations such as electric motors, followed by procurement of components and lightweight materials. At ...
4 Analyse de l'offre
4.1 Supply analysis
Microcars or quadricycles offer different features and options to suit users' needs. Some models have internal combustion engines, while others use electric motors to reduce environmental impact and improve energy efficiency. These vehicles usually offer seating for one or two people, with limited space for cargo. As shown in the table ...
4.2 The prices
in ****, the index was ***.*, and it followed a steady upward trend in subsequent years. In ****, it increased to ***.*, continuing to rise to ***.* in **** and ***.* in ****.
The increase was most significant in ****, when the index reached ***.*, and then peaked at ***.* in ****. This increase indicates continued growth in motorcycle and moped prices, which ...
5 Règlementation
5.1 Current regulations
In Italy, light and heavy quadricycles are regulated by various laws and regulations that establish the conditions for their circulation and use on the roads. Below are some current regulations in Italy.
The Highway Code
The Italian Highway Code, contained in Legislative Decree No. ***/****, regulates road traffic and defines the rules ...
6 Positionnement des acteurs
6.1 Segmentation
Source: ****
- Chatenet
- Aixam
- Ligier
- XEV
- Tazzari EV
- Estrima
- Casalini
- Lombardini - Gruppo Kohler
List of charts presented in this market study
- World minicar market value
- Annual Consumer Price Index for the Whole Community for Motorcycles and Mopeds
- Monthly consumer price index for the whole community
- Trade, maintenance and repair of motorcycles and related parts and accessories
- Wholesale and retail trade of motorcycles and mopeds
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